22nd July 2026 – (Zhengzhou) Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro models have reportedly moved into mass production ahead of their anticipated launch in September, with manufacturing partner Foxconn stepping up recruitment to meet seasonal demand.
According to supply chain sources cited by mainland Chinese media, Foxconn has entered its annual peak hiring period as production of the iPhone 18 series gathers pace. The company’s major manufacturing hub in Zhengzhou is said to be offering hourly wages of up to 27 yuan, roughly HK$31, while returning workers may receive bonuses of up to 7,500 yuan to encourage them to rejoin the assembly lines.
The production cycle for new iPhone models typically requires a sharp increase in temporary labour during the summer months. To attract sufficient numbers of workers, Foxconn and other Apple suppliers customarily raise hourly pay rates and provide lump-sum incentives, particularly targeting recruits from rural areas who travel to Zhengzhou for short-term contracts. Many of these workers reside in company dormitories for periods of around three months, earning wages that exceed what they might receive in their home regions.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to headline Apple’s autumn product event. In addition to performance improvements, including a more advanced processor and display enhancements, reports suggest the new flagship devices may introduce several contentious changes. Industry speculation indicates the handsets could be thicker and heavier than the previous generation, and may continue the design decision introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro of omitting traditional black or dark grey colour options.
Apple has yet to confirm official details of the iPhone 18 range, but large-scale production typically signals that preparations for a September unveiling are well under way.